Image processing method and apparatus, integrated circuitry and recording medium

An image processing apparatus comprising an image processor circuitry operable to:

• receive a first image signal representing a portion of a captured image with a first dynamic range, wherein a value indicative of the brightness of each pixel in the portion of the captured image is represented by the first image signal in a first format such that the first dynamic range of the portion of the captured image is preserved;
• generate a second image signal using the first image signal, wherein a value indicative of the brightness of each pixel in the portion of the captured image is represented by the second image signal in a second format, the second format being for displaying the portion of the captured image on a display and being such that the second image signal represents the portion of the captured image with a second dynamic range which is lower than the first dynamic range;
• and
• output the second image signal for display of the portion of the captured image;
• wherein the second image signal is generated by:
• applying one of:
• a first gain to the brightness value of each pixel in the portion of the captured image represented by the first image signal having a brightness value less than a first threshold brightness value, the first gain serving to increase the brightness value of each pixel to which it is applied, and
• a second gain to the brightness value of each pixel in the portion of the captured image represented by the first image signal having a brightness value greater than a second threshold brightness value, the second gain serving to decrease the brightness value of each pixel to which it is applied;
• and
• after the application of the one of the first and second gains, performing a conversion process such that the brightness value of each pixel in the portion of the captured image represented by the first image signal becomes represented in the second format, thus forming the second image signal.